council chambers january 22, 2014 call to order...
TRANSCRIPT
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COUNCIL CHAMBERS – January 22, 2014
(Postponed from Tuesday, January 21, 2014 due to inclement weather)
CALL TO ORDER
Council met in regular session on this date with the following members present: Mr. Fenwick,
Ms. Galvin, Mr. Huja, Ms. Smith, Ms. Szakos.
AWARDS/RECOGNITIONS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
Ms. Galvin announced the Blue Ribbon Commission on Sustainable School Funding will
discuss their final report with City Council and the School Board on Tuesday, January 28 at 4:00
p.m.
Ms. Szakos said the Downtown Transit Station is now open from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Monday through Saturday for full service activities. Sunday hours will remain 9:00 a.m. –
5:00 p.m.
Ms. Smith said there will be an open house to review design plans for the McIntire Trail
Bridge. The bridge will connect the two sides of McIntire Park and support the 250 bypass multi-
use trail from downtown to Hydraulic Road. The open house will be in the Charlottesville High
School cafeteria on Tuesday, January 28 at 6:00 p.m.
Mr. Fenwick announced that City Council is currently accepting applications for
openings on the following boards or commissions: Building Code of Appeals, CDBG Task
Force, Housing Advisory Committee, Human Rights Commission, Regional Disability Service
Board, and Youth Council. The application deadline is January 30.
Mr. Huja announced that the City of Charlottesville Budget Survey for Fiscal Year 2015
is available. The survey is online at www.charlottesville.org/budgetsurvey, or residents can
contact the City Manager’s Office for a paper copy, either in person at City Hall or by phone at
970-3031.
MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC
Ms. Lena Seville, 808 Altavista Avenue, suggested that the Ambassadors on the Downtown
Mall should not be part of the police department but associated with the Visitors Center since
their primary role is to offer assistance to tourists and visitors to the mall. More police presence
is necessary on the Downtown Mall. She was happy to hear that transit bus service has expanded
hours.
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Mr. James Shisler, 901 Rugby Road, said he supports the project at 1000 West Main Street
because it will enhance the West Main area by creating employment, new green space, parking,
and will help reduce rental housing in residential neighborhoods.
Mr. Randy Page, 1401 Wellford Street, is concerned about damage to trees by non-native
invasive plants, which prevent the natural growth of trees and block sunlight. He supports the
controlled use of herbicides.
Mr. Stuart Kessler, 1625 Garth Road, supports the 1000 West Main Street project because
it encourages pedestrian traffic and offers more opportunity for students to obtain rental housing
near the University. He said the Planning Commission condition requiring residents to attend a
course in civility was inappropriate.
Mr. Steve Bus, a representative of Campus Acquisitions and developer of the 1000 West
Main Street project, stated the project will benefit the West Main Street area and blend in well
with the adjacent medical facilities. He said the success of the project depends on the details of
the site plan and special use permit conditions, and they would like modifications to the
conditions proposed by the Planning Commission.
Ms. Valerie Long, attorney for Campus Acquisitions, stated they will be proposing
revisions to the resolution for the special use permit.
Ms. Rebecca Quinn, 104 4th
Street, N.E., questioned Council’s authority to postpone the
Council meeting without advance notice to the public. She was also concerned that notices of
closed sessions frequently do not offer enough information on what Council will be discussing
and suggested the agenda and notice state the specific reason for the closed session.
Mr. Louis Schultz, 1809 East Market Street, complained that he has appeared or contacted
Council eight times about the lack of staff response to certain issues he has with the City about
Steephill Street. He accused Councilors and staff of ignoring his requests for a hearing on the
issues and making false statements to him.
Ms. Nancy Carpenter, Albemarle County resident, requested that Council use the economic
engine to ensure that new projects benefit the low income and homeless through job
opportunities and suggested the Section 3 coordinator for the City should be involved with this
effort.
Mr. Scott Tumperi, 1800 Jefferson Park Avenue, said he is concerned about increased
traffic that will be created by the proposed apartment building project at 1000 West Main Street,
despite the requirement for a traffic study. He urged Council to consider the impact of having so
many housing units per acre, especially when it becomes fully occupied, and recommended
scaling back the project.
COUNCIL RESPONSE
Mr. Fenwick stated that transit schedules are designed with seniors and the disabled in
mind. He suggested that the Department of Forestry may have information on how to control
invasive plants. Mr. Fenwick said any postponement of Council meetings should be prominently
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displayed on the City website and agreed that closed session notices should contain more
detailed information on the topics to be discussed. In response to Mr. Schultz, Mr. Fenwick said
his comments about needing new ideas were in the context of the budget and how to raise
revenue without raising taxes.
Ms. Smith agreed that closed session notices should be more specific, and City Attorney
Craig Brown added that closed session topics can change or be added after the agenda is
published, so citizens should check the website regularly and close to the date of the Council
meeting. Ms. Smith requested a report from Parks & Recreation on the problem of invasive
plants and possible solutions. Ms. Smith said she confirmed that the law allows Council to
postpone a Council meeting when necessary.
Ms. Szakos stated there is a difference between the role of the downtown Ambassadors
and the role of the police officers. She agreed with Ms. Quinn’s suggestion on the closed session
notices. In response to Mr. Schultz, she informed him that the Freedom of Information Act only
requires the City staff to produce documents in their possession, and all such documents were
produced for Mr. Schultz. She told Ms. Carpenter that Section 3 regulations only apply to HUD-
financed buildings, but she believes the principles of Section 3 should be applied to local
construction projects whenever possible, and the Section 3 coordinator should try to meet with
homeless advocacy groups.
Ms. Galvin said she agrees with her fellow Councilors’ comments and supports generally
the expansion of opportunities for the homeless and low income population.
Mr. Huja agreed with the other Councilors about expanding the closed session notices.
He advised Mr. Schultz that all documents were disclosed in response to his FOIA request and
denied that any false statements were made by Councilors to Mr. Schultz.
City Manager Maurice Jones advised Councilors that a report from Parks & Recreation
on trees, trails and parkland acquisition will be presented to them on February 18, and the report
will address the invasive plant issue.
CONSENT AGENDA
The consent agenda was read into the record. On item 1(j), Ms. Smith questioned
whether staff had made any additional effort to communicate with the Clark School
neighborhood on the details of the project funded by the Safe Routes to School grant to be
approved tonight by Council. She said a similar grant-funded project on Hinton Avenue resulted
in neighborhood concerns about the work done. Mr. Tolbert, NDS Director, responded that the
Clark School PTO helped create the project plan for Clark School, and there was extensive
community involvement. Mr. Tolbert promised to remind the neighborhood of the scope of the
proposed pedestrian improvements. Mr. Maurice Jones also said he would research the Hinton
Avenue resident concerns.
On motion by Mr. Fenwick, seconded by Ms. Szakos, the consent agenda passed. (Ayes:
Ms. Smith, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin, Mr. Fenwick, Mr. Huja; Noes: None.)
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a. Minutes for January 6
b. APPROPRIATION: 2013 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG)
- $27,039 (2nd
reading)
c. APPROPRIATION: Thomas Jefferson Crisis Interview Team Asset Forfeiture
Transfer Program - $111,726 (2nd
reading)
d. APPROPRIATION: 2014 Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia Highway Safety
Grant for Alcohol Enforcement - $13,950 (2nd
reading)
e. APPROPRIATION: 2014 Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia Highway Safety
Grant for Alcohol Enforcement - $13,950 (2nd
reading)
f. APPROPRIATION: 2014 Department of Motor Vehicles Virginia Highway Safety
Grant for Speed Enforcement - $6,720 (2nd
reading)
g. APPROPRIATION: BAMA Works Fund Check and Connect Grant - $10,000
(carried)
h. APPROPRIATION: FY 2014 Aid to Localities Fire Disbursement Fund - $122,138
(carried)
i. APPROPRIATION: FY2014 Transit Grants - $213,693 (carried)
j. APPROPRIATION: Safe Routes to School Grant – Clark School Pedestrian
Improvements (carried)
k. ORDINANCE: Easement to Dominion Power at Public Works Center on Avon
Street (carried)
Mr. Fenwick asked Mr. Jones to explain the purpose of the consent agenda, as he noticed
there are many appropriations on the consent agenda. Mr. Jones responded that the consent
agenda was intended for routine agenda items, and that many of the appropriations were for pass-
through grant funding. He said Councilors always have the option of removing a consent agenda
item if he or she believes it warrants public discussion.
RESOLUTION: SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP) FOR 1000 WEST MAIN STREET
Brian Haluska, NDS planner, briefly reviewed the project and recommendations from the
Planning Commission at their January 14 meeting. He suggested that a new condition to reduce
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the Roosevelt Brown Boulevard setback requirement to 5 feet be added to the requested SUP;
this is shown on the site plan but should also be a condition of the SUP. Mr. Haluska responded
to Mr. Fenwick’s question about appurtenances.
On behalf of Campus Acquisitions Holdings, LLC, Mr. Stephen Bus made a brief
presentation on the proposed mixed-use building at the corner of West Main Street and
Roosevelt Brown Boulevard in support of its request for approval of an SUP to allow a
maximum building height to 101 feet, increased residential density to a maximum of 193
dwelling units per acre, and modification of the setback and stepback requirements. He
addressed the concerns expressed about job opportunities for Charlottesville residents and agreed
to work with the City’s Section 3 coordinator on this issue.
There was discussion on the number of four-bedroom units, their location in the building,
and concerns about stacked units. Ms. Szakos asked about the affordability of the units, and Mr.
Bus said the many different types of units would appeal to a diverse population, including
students, young professionals, families, and seniors, at different income levels. Mr. Bus said the
building would have a community room for the tenants, retail space on Roosevelt Brown
Boulevard, a plaza, and a design that would encourage engagement with the boulevard traffic.
In response to questions about issues involving the University of Virginia, Mr. Bus stated
they have established a framework for working with UVA on issues that are by-right issues and
not relevant to the SUP conditions. They have given the Federal Aviation Administration the
required notice about building height and stated it would not interfere with the helipad at UVA
Hospital. Mr. Bus requested that Condition #3 of the SUP be amended to require them to
collaborate with UVA on the airflow study but not to ensure a particular outcome. In response to
Mr. Fenwick’s question, Mr. Bus stressed that UVA is not a partner in this project.
There was discussion on the impact of this project on adjacent businesses (UVA CoreLab,
a hotel, the Patton Mansion, etc.), and Mr. Bus stated they are working with adjoining property
owners on issues such as air quality and traffic.
The streetscape plan for the project was discussed, and Mr. Bus assured Council that their
plan fits in well with the West Main Street streetscape.
Mr. Bus addressed Mr. Fenwick’s concern about requiring bonds to make sure the project
is completed in accordance with the plan. Mr. Bus stated that public improvements are bonded,
and the general contractor has to submit a performance bond. Mr. Craig Brown advised Council
that public improvements, erosion and sediment control, etc. can be bonded, but there is no legal
authority to require completion bonds of an owner.
Ms. Smith asked about garage entrances; Mr. Bus said there are two garage entrances and
undergrounding the existing utility poles is a possibility. Mr. Bus stated there are no utility poles
located on any of the frontages of this project. There is a communications line, but they are
working with UVA on this issue. Mr. Bus commented on the huge expense of undergrounding
existing utility lines, and Mr. Huja stated that this cannot be required as part of the SUP. Ms.
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Galvin expressed her hope that the Rhodeside & Harwell group can come up with a solution to
undergrounding the utility lines before the project is completed.
Mr. Huja asked Council for their comments and disclosed that he is on the Jefferson Area
Board for Aging (JABA), which will benefit from this project. Mr. Huja said he will recuse
himself from voting on any JABA board decision that involves the project.
Mr. Huja said he would like to add Mr. Haluska’s requested condition of reducing the
Brown Boulevard setback to 5 feet to the SUP. Ms. Smith asked whether the SUP conditions
could include a requirement to provide adequate parking for construction employees, as this was
a problem for other projects. Mr. Bus said this is part of the construction planning, and there are
parking options.
Mr. Huja suggested that Condition #3 be amended. Ms. Szakos agreed to remove the
language about the exhaust from adjacent generators not impacting the residents of the project.
Ms. Galvin asked to change Condition #7 to state: “The number of four bedroom units
referenced in the application [106 4-bedroom units] will be situated on floors in a manner that
isolates them from 0, 1 and 2-bedroom units, as practical.” Council and Mr. Bus agreed to this
change.
Ms. Szakos commented on Condition #6, and Mr. Bus stated they will incorporate in the
lease a “rules and regulations” clause approved by City staff, which will be signed by each
tenant.
Ms. Valerie Long, attorney representing Campus Acquisitions, LLC, commented on the
collaboration with UVA on multiple issues. She proposed alternative language to Condition #3
regarding the airflow study because UVA had all the data and wanted to control the study. Mr.
Bus was concerned that as an unintended effect of the condition, Campus Acquisitions would be
obligated to fix or pay for any problem with generator exhaust from CoreLab. Mr. Joseph
DeLew, RMF Engineering, on behalf of the developer, gave background information on the
Corelab exhaust issue. There was further discussion on what the City could legally require from
other parties. The City Attorney proposed alternative language to state that the Applicant and
UVA would collaborate on an airflow study of the site and surrounding properties to address the
continued operation of existing buildings adjacent to the proposed structure. Ms. Long asked,
and Council members agreed, that the condition be modified to specifically identify 1000 West
Main Street.
Mr. Fenwick asked Ms. Long to state again that UVA or ancillary organizations do not
have any legal interest in the project, nor will it eventually own the building; she confirmed that
UVA does not now, nor do they expect it to ever, have any ownership in the project.
Mr. Huja summarized the changes proposed to the SUP Resolution, specifically to
Conditions #3, #6, #7, and adding a new Condition #8. Ms. Galvin said the SUP process creates
a better project and should be streamlined to allow smaller developers to build. She praised
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Campus Acquisitions for their cooperation in creating enhancements for surrounding small
businesses, walkability, and pedestrian improvements.
Ms. Szakos commented that the project increases affordable housing and helps to preserve
neighborhoods.
Ms. Smith stated the project does not align with the Council Vision on housing as the staff
memo indicated, is too dense and too high. She said she was offended that appurtenances are
used to create an additional story to the building.
Mr. Fenwick objected to the project because it would prevent property owners from using
accessory apartments for extra income with all the apartment housing being built. He stated
UVA is taking over West Main, and the City is spending a lot of money on these projects, which
means less money is available for pre-kindergarten education.
Ms. Galvin responded that an increase in rental housing results in lower rents, and housing
competition is a good thing. The neighborhoods will benefit, and the increased taxes will help
schools.
On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Ms. Galvin, the resolution passed (Ayes: Mr. Huja,
Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin; Noes: Mr. Fenwick, Ms. Smith).
PUBLIC HEARING/RESOLUTION: RELEASE OF DRAINAGE EASEMENT AT 1000
WEST MAIN STREET
Mr. Craig Brown, City Attorney, presented a summary of the request by The Ivy Land
Trust for the City to release a drainage easement acquired by the City in 2002 during the
construction of Roosevelt Brown Boulevard. New development on the site will replace the
drainage structure with a storm detention system. Mr. Bus explained that the existing easement
was primarily to maintain the slope, and the location of the new building will obviate the need
for such drainage structure or slope. Ms. Valerie Long stated the existing drain inlet will remain
in place until the new stormwater facilities are built. Mr. Steve Driver, civil engineer for the
developer, stated that the stormwater will be piped into the new stormwater basin.
Mr. Huja opened the Public Hearing.
Mr. Scott Tumperi asked where the stormwater would go once the City quitclaims the
easement.
Mr. Joseph DeLew, an engineer on the new project, stated that the new stormwater
management system will handle all drainage from the site. He said the run-off will be handled by
bio-retention facilities.
Having no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
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On motion by Ms. Galvin, seconded by Ms. Szakos, the resolution passed (Ayes: Mr.
Huja, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin; Mr. Fenwick, Ms. Smith; Noes: None).
PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE: REVISE NDS FEE SCHEDULE
PUBLIC HEARING/ORDINANCE: AMEND CAFÉ AND VENDOR FEES AND
REGULATIONS
Mr. Jim Tolbert presented the proposed changes to the sidewalk café and vendor
regulations. Staff is recommending year round permits for café owners and will require cafes to
have “stable detectable bottoms”, per the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act
(ADA) so that blind persons can feel the outside boundary of the café area. Staff recommends
changing the annual fee to a quarterly payment plan and allowing the use of outdoor heaters.
Vendors would be able to use City electricity for operation of cash registers and credit card
processing, as café owners are currently able to do. Mr. Tolbert stated the proposed fees to be
charged, including a new annual fee of $25 for non-profit organizations.
In response to Ms. Smith’s question, Mr. Tolbert said they solicited input from the café
owners and vendors, and there was no opposition to the proposed changes.
Ms. Galvin asked why the fees need to be increased. Mr. Tolbert said the City has not
increased fees in five years and needs to accurately value the public space being leased.
Ms. Szakos said the Downtown Mall committee report might inform Council on revenue
from café space that could be used to improve the Mall. Mr. Tolbert estimated the City would
realize an additional $50,000 in revenue, and Council could decide to use it for Mall
enhancements.
Mr. Huja opened the Public Hearing.
Ms. Rebecca Quinn said she lives on the Downtown Mall and appreciates having the
open space in the winter without the café furniture crowding the pedestrian walkway. She also
thinks the City needs to ensure that someone will keep it clean.
Ms. Lena Seville stated that the outdoor heaters waste energy and would like to see cafés
semi-enclose their spaces.
Having no further speakers, the Public Hearing was closed.
Ms. Smith said year-round cafés may cause unsightly storage problems.
Ms. Galvin said it may be more appropriate to consider the issue in the larger context of
the Downtown Mall maintenance plan, especially since Council is hearing a report tonight on the
Downtown Mall. She asked whether the Downtown Business Association of Charlottesville
(DBAC) was involved.
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Ms. Szakos commented that the budget process may require more immediate action,
depending on where the revenue will be going. Mr. Tolbert stated that renewal permits are
issued on March 1.
Mr. Huja stated that the increase in café space rental seemed too steep (from $3/square
foot to $5/square foot), but he would support $4/square foot. Mr. Tolbert commented that a
majority of the café owners already pay the increased rent in order to stay open year-round.
Mr. Fenwick asked Mr. Tolbert to confirm that the DBAC is aware and in favor of these
changes; Mr. Tolbert confirmed that DBAC was notified and has asked for the year-round option
in the past. He explained that café owners do not have to operate year-round, but they will still
pay the increased rental fee. He also confirmed there have been no past problems with outdoor
heaters.
On motion by Ms. Smith, seconded by Ms. Szakos, the Ordinance to Amend Café and
Vendor Fees and Regulations was carried.
On motion by Mr. Fenwick, seconded by Ms. Szakos, the Ordinance to Revise the NDS
Fee Schedule was carried.
REPORT: DOWNTOWN MALL WORK GROUPS UPDATE
Mr. Jones reported that the Downtown Mall work groups were formed in August 2013 to
address various Downtown Mall issues. He commented on the successful activities taking place
on the mall and the decrease in criminal incidents and calls for service to the police. Mr. David
Ellis, Assistant City Manager, presented a report on the work groups, which included Human
Services, Economic Development, Physical Plant, and Law Enforcement. Many local
organizations were involved in the work groups. The issues discussed included cameras on the
mall, lighting, workforce development, a special service district, parking meters, signage,
outsourcing maintenance, smoking, bench replacement, and movies in the amphitheater.
Ms. Smith asked whether the City could regulate smoking outdoors on the Mall. Mr.
Brown stated there is related legislation requested in the legislative program this year, but there
is no enabling legislation to regulate outdoor smoking currently.
Mr. Ellis addressed bench replacement; Ms. Galvin commented the new benches would
be designed to discourage long term use. Mr. Jones said the business owners were consulted on
the placement and style of benches, but there was less space to put new benches.
Mr. Ellis reported that older signs will be replaced, with QR codes on the new signs. He
said Mr. Stroh, manager of the Charlottesville Parking Center, said the CPC provided over
$800,000 in free parking through the validation system in 2013.
The law enforcement group recommended cameras on the Mall to be used by the police,
more police officers, and enhanced lighting.
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The work groups will look at overall costs, strategic plan, and the budget over the next
three to six months.
Mr. Fenwick praised the Downtown Mall Ambassadors for their work. Ms. Szakos
questioned whether their role has strayed from the main purpose of visitor assistance. Mr. Jones
said staff will be examining the responsibilities of Ambassadors. Ms. Galvin commented that
Ambassadors would more logically be a function of the Visitors Center. Mr. Jones said the
Visitors Center is a joint City-County organization, so Albemarle County would have to be
involved. There was further discussion on what the role of the Ambassadors should be, and how
it would be funded.
Several Councilors commented that if outsourcing maintenance is considered, then
Council should consider training the homeless and hard-to-employ population for such
maintenance. Mr. Jones stated that The Crossings has facilitated job training for many homeless
people.
In response to Mr. Huja, Mr. Jones said there will be a report to Council on February 18
on vehicular crossings and the mall bricks.
Ms. Galvin suggested the work groups use the PLACE Design Task Force members as a
resource. Mr. Ellis said the DBAC did a walking tour of the Mall and will do so again. Ms.
Galvin suggested using public art to mitigate the unsightly appearance of the Landmark Hotel as
part of mall maintenance.
Mr. Chris Engel responded to Ms. Galvin’s question about when there would be a report
on a special service district, stating they are speaking with local businesses now and hope to have
a report in March or April.
Ms. Smith liked the idea of the movies after dark and is still interested in having a public
stage for children’s theater on the Mall.
Mr. Tolbert said there will be a report and action requested at the February 3 Council
meeting on the Landmark Hotel blight issue, following up on the Planning Commission
recommendations. Mr. Tolbert said he has sent notice to Mr. Dewberry, the owner of the
Landmark Hotel property, of the upcoming Council meeting on February 3 to discuss this issue.
In response to Ms. Galvin’s question, Mr. Jones said a review of the Ambassadors’ role
will be part of his discussions with the Police Chief, as well as the budget process. Ms. Szakos
suggested using volunteers as ambassadors in a supplemental capacity during the summer.
RESOLUTION: HARTMAN’S MILL PARKLAND ACQUISITION
Mr. Brian Daly, Director of Parks and Recreation, reported on the proposed purchase of
approximately 20 acres of land, known as the Hartman’s Mill property. He described the
historical background of the property and the proposed use of the land as parkland. Mr. Gensic,
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Trails Planner, explained that four acres are on the City side of Moore’s Creek, and 16 acres are
on the County side, so at least four acres could be combined with the existing Jordan Park.
Ms. Smith said this is a significant acquisition, given the importance of mills in our
cultural past. Ms. Galvin said she would like an update on how much the City is spending on
parkland acquisition and the maintenance costs. Mr. Jones said those costs would be part of the
strategic planning process. Mr. Daly said a report will be presented at the February 18 Council
meeting, which would include the intended purpose of each acquisition.
On motion by Ms. Smith, seconded by Mr. Fenwick, the resolution passed (Ayes: Mr.
Huja, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin; Mr. Fenwick, Ms. Smith; Noes: None).
RESOLUTION: WATER STREET EXTENDED STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENTS -
$356,525
RESOLUTION: APPROVE FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH CEDA
Mr. Tolbert reported on parking issues and lack of street trees in the area of Carlton
Avenue and Meade Avenue, where Parks and Recreation is constructing a multi-use trail. City
staff tried to address the issues by involving the PLACE Design Task Force, the Bike/Pedestrian
Committee, the Tree Commission and a landscape architect in creating a multi-use 2,300 foot
trail on Water Street Extended near the new CityWalk development to connect with the
Carlton/Meade trail. He said the most cost-effective way to accomplish this is to partner with the
developer of CityWalk and allow his contractor to construct the enhancements since they are
already doing construction in that area. Mr. Tolbert said the request is for $356,525 to be
allocated from already appropriated funds in the Capital Improvements fund and transferred to
the Charlottesville Economic Development Authority (CEDA). The second request is for
Council to approve a funding agreement between the City and CEDA, whereby CEDA will
contract with the CityWalk developer to construct the improvements.
Ms. Szakos questioned whether Section 3 might be used in this project, but Mr. Tolbert
stated that the developer has already hired a contractor. He said we could ask the contractor to
use Section 3 provisions when hiring new employees.
Ms. Smith asked about the number of new trees and what kind of trees would be planted.
Mr. Tolbert described the types of trees and why they were selected. There was discussion on the
appropriate types of trees chosen for projects, and Mr. Tolbert said these were recommended by
the Tree Commission.
Ms. Szakos asked for the resolution approving the funding to be amended to add that City
staff will request the developer of CityWalk to work with the City’s Section 3 Coordinator if new
employees are hired for the streetscape improvements to Water Street Extended.
On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Ms. Galvin, the resolution to authorize funding
of $356,525 passed as amended. (Ayes: Mr. Huja, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin; Mr. Fenwick, Ms.
Smith; Noes: None.)
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On motion by Ms. Szakos, seconded by Ms. Galvin, the resolution approving a funding
agreement with CEDA passed (Ayes: Mr. Huja, Ms. Szakos, Ms. Galvin; Mr. Fenwick, Ms.
Smith; Noes: None).
REPORT: HEALTHY EATING ACTIVE LIVING (HEAL) UPDATE
Mr. David Ellis, Assistant City Manager, said there are three departments in leading roles
on the promotion of the principles of HEAL: Parks and Recreation, Neighborhood Development
Services, and Human Resources. Mr. Ellis reviewed activities undertaken by each department
and summarized the next steps in the process. He said a comprehensive document will be
drafted within 60 days as a guide for the next 18 months.
Ms. Smith expressed concern about children in City programs receiving soda and candy
as rewards. Ms. Galvin said the City should serve healthy food at the town hall meetings, and
Mr. Jones said staff is trying to offer more nutritious meals and water at meetings. Ms. Szakos
said the comprehensive document should include the healthy living programs and the Let’s Move
program sponsored by the schools. Ms. Galvin asked for the Strategic Investment Area update to
be included in the comprehensive document.
Council members discussed the various ways that the City promotes healthy living,
through artwork in stairways, the programs at Carver Recreation Center, etc.
OTHER BUSINESS
Mr. Fenwick commented that the bricks on the Downtown Mall near the Regal Theater
are in poor repair. Council members discussed the options for getting the repair done, and Mr.
Jones said he would consult with the City Attorney. Ms. Szakos asked for the update to be part of
the report to Council on February 18.
MATTERS BY THE PUBLIC
Mr. Scott Tumperi, 1800 Jefferson Park Avenue, told Council about the LED lights at the
top of his building, which work well. He also commented on the SUP conditions for 1000 West
Main Street and the fact that many older houses in the University Corner area are now serving as
rentals for students. He also remarked that California has a law that controls the construction of
tall buildings that impact adjacent buildings by eliminating the sunlight, which effectively
removes the energy efficiency of solar panels.
Mr. Jon Bright, 109 Altamont Circle, thanked staff for their work on the Downtown Mall.
He said everyone should be an ambassador and make an extra effort to help tourists and visitors.
He recommended that maps of the area be made available.
Meeting adjourned.